Pipe Transporter Traction Wheel

ABSTRACT

A pipe transporter traction wheel suitable for mounting on a pipe transporter travelable along an interior surface of a pipe may include a tractor portion configured to be attached to a pipe transporter, the tractor portion having a tractor surface configured to contact an interior surface of a pipe when the pipe transporter is driven in the pipe. The tractor portion may include a harder granular material and a softer matrix material embedding the granular material. The wheel may include a hub and/or a mounting interface. A kit may be provided including one or two adapters and a wheel.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims filing benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/450,344, having a filing date of Jan. 25, 2017,which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to pipe inspection transporterapparatuses, and more particularly, to a pipe transporter traction wheelwhich is suitable for mounting on a pipe transporter, has superiortraction capability and a prolonged tread life and prevents or minimizesdamage or wear to the interior surface of a pipe in which the pipetransporter is deployed.

BACKGROUND

Wastewater (also known as storm water and sewer) pipelines are anessential part of the infrastructure of modern populated areas. Thesepipelines must be maintained, and this requires periodic inspection ofevery linear foot of the wastewater pipeline per federal or regulatorymandates. For example, conventional sewerage systems may be periodicallyinspected for the presence of cracks and other anomalies by thedeployment of waterproof video equipment which is mounted on amechanical device. The device can be remotely operated in a motorizedfashion to traverse the interior of the wastewater pipe, or may bealternatively towed on a suitable carriage.

Remotely-operated inspection apparatuses, commonly known as“transporters”, may be used for pipeline inspections. Transporters maybe particularly useful in the inspection of smaller diameter pipe whichis too small for direct inspection. Transporters may carry video camerasor sonar, radar or other sensing equipment along the interior of thepipe to allow personnel to view cracks and other imperfections in thepipe. Wheeled transporters are also used in the relining of pipes, wherethe transporter carries ultraviolet lights designed to “cure” or hardenplastic/polymer lining (sleeve) material after inflation inside thepipe. After relining occurs, the openings of lateral pipes are occludedby the new lining sleeve. A third type of wheeled transporter, carryingrotary cutting equipment, is used to locate and reinstate the lateralopenings to the relined mainline.

Many transporters may utilize multiple drive axles fitted with wheelswhich are designed to maximize traction of the wheels against theinterior surface of the pipe The wheels may include solid rubber orpolyurethane traction (tread) surfaces, which are advantageous in thatthey cause negligible damage to the interior of the pipe. However,rubber and polyethylene traction surfaces do not provide sufficienttraction to allow operation of transporters beyond a distance defined bythe forces acting on the transporter, greases and other slick coatingscommon in active wastewater pipes, and more particularly the frictioncoefficients at the tire-to-pipe interfaces. Alternatively, thetransporter wheels may be constructed by bonding carbide grit to thetread surface of a hub made of metal or other material. Carbide grittraction sections may provide superior traction to allow furtherpenetration of the transporter through a section of pipe. However,carbide grit traction sections may have the attendant disadvantage ofcausing wear relatively quickly to the interior surface of the pipe.Moreover, conventional carbide grit transporter wheels typically have ashorter useful life.

Accordingly, there is an established need for a pipe transportertraction wheel which is suitable for mounting on a pipe transporter, hassuperior traction capability, has a prolonged tread life, prevents orminimizes damage or wear to the interior surface of a pipe in which thepipe transporter is deployed, and/or addresses other needs.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to a pipe transporter traction wheelwhich is suitable for mounting on a pipe transporter, has superiortraction capability, has a prolonged tread life, and/or prevents orminimizes damage or wear to the interior surface of a pipe in which thepipe transporter is deployed. In some embodiments, the pipe transportertraction wheel may include a tractor portion and one or more tractorsections on the tractor portion. For instance, a plurality of tractorsections may be discretely arranged or spaced apart from one anotheraround the circumference of the tractor portion. Gaps may separate thetractor sections from each other. The tractor portion may be fabricatedof granules or particles of a harder, granular material such as carbidegrit and a softer, matrix material encasing or embedding the granules orparticles of the granular material. The harder, granular materialprovides traction of the wheel against the interior surface of the pipe,whereas the softer, matrix material protects the pipe, in someembodiments, the harder, granular material may include carbide grit,steel wool, various aggregates (e.g. crushed stone such as granite orquartz), diamond or other variations of carbon, and the like. Thesofter, matrix material may include a thermoplastic elastomer, rubber,open cast urethane, epoxy, curable gel, putty and/or any other substancethat can position or hold the harder, granular material in place in thetractor portion.

According to one embodiment, a pipe transporter traction wheel which issuitable for mounting on a pipe transporter, has superior tractioncapability, has a prolonged tread life, and/or prevents or minimizesdamage or wear to the interior surface of a pipe in which the pipetransporter is deployed includes, for example, a tractor portionconfigured to contact an interior surface of a pipe along which the pipetransporter can travel, the tractor portion including a harder, granularmaterial and a softer, matrix material encasing or embedding the harder,granular material.

In a second aspect, the harder, granular material may include carbidegrit, steel wool, various aggregates such as crushed stone such asgranite or quartz, diamond or other variations of carbon, silicates, andthe like.

In another aspect, the softer, matrix material may include athermoplastic elastomer, rubber, open cast urethane, epoxy, curable gel,putty and/or any other substance that can position or hold the harder,granular material in place in the tractor portion.

In yet another aspect, the tractor portion can include a plurality oftractor sections configured to contact the interior surface of the pipe,the plurality of tractor sections spaced apart from one another around acircumference of the tractor portion and separated by gaps.Alternatively, the tractor portion can comprise a single, continuoustractor surface arranged around a perimeter of the wheel and devoid ofgaps.

In another aspect, the tractor portion may have a rear wheel surface anda front wheel surface, and the tractor sections and the gaps may extendfrom the rear wheel surface to the front wheel surface in an alternatingpattern.

In another aspect, the pipe transporter traction wheel can furtherinclude a wheel axle interface or hub carrying the tractor portion, thehub configured to provide a mounting interface to a drive axle of thepipe transporter.

In another aspect, a central wheel opening may extend through thetractor portion to facilitate mounting the tractor portion on the hub.

In still another aspect, the hub may include a hub rim and a central hubopening extending through the hub rim to facilitate mounting of thetractor portion on the hub.

In another aspect, the wheel opening may have an interior wheel surface,and one or more wheel connecting portion skins may protrude from theinterior wheel surface to interlock with respective one or more wheelconnecting portions extending into the hub opening of the hub, forming,in part or in full, a mounting interface to the transporter.

In another aspect, the tractor portion may be molded onto the hub.

In another aspect, in-process molding injection points within thetractor portion may be located interstitially between adjacent tractorsections of the tractor portion to provide a denser distribution of theharder, granular material within the softer, matrix material of thetraction sections.

in another aspect, the density of the harder, granular material may belower at the tractor portion injection points than in the remainingportion of the tractor portion.

in another aspect, the pipe transporter traction wheel may not include ahub, i.e. the harder, granular material is encased within the softer,matrix material without the inclusion of a hub.

The aforementioned aspects of the pipe transporter traction wheel may becombined with one another in different embodiments of the disclosure.For instance, the tractor portion may be formed by a harder, granularmaterial encased within a softer, matrix material, the wheel lacking ahub, and the tractor portion including a single, continuous tractorsurface arranged around a perimeter of the wheel and devoid of gaps.

According to a second embodiment, a pipe transporter traction wheelwhich is suitable for mounting on a pipe transporter, has superiortraction capability, has a prolonged tread life, and/or prevents orminimizes damage or wear to the interior surface of a pipe in which thepipe transporter is deployed includes, for example, a hub configured toprovide a mounting interface to a drive axle of the pipe transporter,the hub including a hub rim and a plurality of counterbore openingsextending through the hub rim, a tractor portion molded onto the hub andinterlocking with the hub rim of the hub at the counterbore openings,the tractor portion including harder, granular material and a softer,matrix material encasing or embedding the harder, granular material, aplurality of tractor sections on the tractor portion, the plurality oftractor sections spaced discretely from one another around acircumference of the tractor portion, and a plurality of gaps separatingthe plurality of tractor sections from each other.

According to a third embodiment, a pipe transporter traction wheel whichis suitable for mounting on a pipe transporter, has superior tractioncapability, has a prolonged tread life, and/or prevents or minimizesdamage or wear to the interior surface of a pipe in which the pipetransporter is deployed includes, for example, a hub configured toprovide a mounting interface to a drive axle of the pipe transporter,the hub including a hub rim, a plurality of counterbore openingsextending through the hub rim and a plurality of front hub notches and aplurality of rear hub notches extending through the hub rim at theplurality of counterbore openings, respectively, a tractor portionmolded onto the hub and interlocking with the hub rim of the hub at thecounterbore openings, the tractor portion including harder, granularmaterial and a softer, matrix material encasing or embedding the harder,granular material, a plurality of tractor sections on the tractorportion, the plurality of tractor sections spaced discretely around acircumference of the tractor portion, a plurality of gaps separating theplurality of tractor sections from each other.

According to a fourth embodiment, a pipe transporter traction wheelwhich is suitable for mounting on a pipe transporter, has superiortraction capability, has a prolonged tread life, and/or prevents orminimizes damage or wear to the interior surface of a pipe in which thepipe transporter is deployed includes, for example, a hub configured toprovide a mounting interface to a drive axle of the pipe transporter,the hub including a hub rim and a hub bonding surface on the hub rim, atractor portion bonded to the hub bonding surface on the hub rim of thehub, the tractor portion including harder, granular material and asofter, matrix material encasing or embedding the harder, granularmaterial, a plurality of tractor sections on the tractor portion, theplurality of tractor sections spaced apart from one another around acircumference of the tractor portion, and a plurality of gaps separatingthe plurality of tractor sections from each other.

According to certain aspects of the disclosure, a pipe transportertraction wheel suitable for mounting on a pipe transporter travelablealong an interior surface of a pipe may include a tractor portionconfigured to be attached to a pipe transporter. The tractor portion mayhave a tractor surface configured to contact an interior surface of apipe when the pipe transporter is driven in the pipe, the tractorportion including a granular material and a matrix material embeddingthe granular material, the granular material having a hardness higherthan a hardness of the matrix material. Various options andmodifications are possible.

According to certain other aspects of the disclosure, a pipe transportertraction wheel suitable for mounting on a pipe transporter travelablealong an interior surface of a pipe may include a hub having an outersurface. A tractor portion may be bonded to the outer surface of thehub, the tractor portion having a tractor surface configured to contactan interior surface of a pipe when the pipe transporter is driven in thepipe. The tractor surface may extend around a circumference of thetractor portion, and the tractor portion may include a plurality oftractor sections spaced apart from one another around the circumferenceof the tractor portion and separated by gaps, each of the tractorsections including a part of the tractor surface. Again, various optionsand modifications are possible.

According to certain other aspects of the disclosure, a pipe transportertraction wheel suitable for mounting on a pipe transporter travelablealong an interior surface of a pipe may include a hub having anirregular exterior shape. A tractor portion may be overmolded onto thehub so that overmolded portions of the tractor portion interlock withthe irregular exterior shape to help secure the tractor portion to thehub, the tractor portion having a tractor surface configured to contactan interior surface of a pipe when the pipe transporter is driven in thepipe. Again, various options and modifications are possible.

According to certain other aspects of the disclosure, a pipe transportertraction wheel suitable for mounting on a pipe transporter travelablealong an interior surface of a pipe may include a tractor portionconfigured to be attached to a pipe transporter and a defining a centralaxis. A tractor surface on the tractor portion may be configured tocontact an interior surface of a pipe when the pipe transporter isdriven in the pipe, the tractor surface extending around a circumferenceof the tractor portion around the central axis, and the tractor portionincluding a plurality of tractor sections spaced apart from one anotheraround the circumference of the tractor portion and separated by firstgaps, each of the tractor sections including a part of the tractorsurface. A mounting interface may be located generally around thecentral axis of the tractor portion, the mounting interface beingconfigured for attachment of the pipe transporter traction wheel to thepipe transporter, the mounting interface including an opening between arear wheel surface and a front wheel surface of the tractor portion, themounting interface further including a plurality of lobes, the lobesextending radially inward toward the central axis and being separated bysecond gaps. Again, various options and modifications are possible.

According to certain other aspects of the disclosure, a kit for a pipetransporter traction wheel suitable for mounting on an axle of a pipetransporter travelable along an interior surface of a pipe. The kit mayinclude a pipe transporter traction wheel including a tractor portiondefining a central axis and having a tractor surface configured tocontact an interior surface of a pipe when the pipe transporter isdriven in the pipe; and a mounting interface located generally aroundthe central axis of the tractor portion, the mounting interface beingconfigured for attachment of the pipe transporter traction wheel to theaxle, the mounting interface including an opening between a rear wheelsurface and a front wheel surface of the tractor portion, the mountinginterface further including a plurality of lobes, the lobes extendingradially inward toward the central axis and being separated by gaps. Thekit may also include an adapter configured for cooperatively assistingin attachment of the pipe transporter traction wheel to the axle.Various options and modifications are possible.

These and other objects, features, and advantages of the disclosedembodiments will become more readily apparent from the attached drawingsand the detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The preferred embodiments of the disclosure will hereinafter bedescribed in conjunction with the appended drawings provided toillustrate and not to limit the disclosure, where like designationsdenote like elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 presents a top front perspective view showing a first embodimentof the pipe transporter traction wheel of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 presents a top rear perspective view of the first embodiment ofthe pipe transporter traction wheel of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 presents an exploded top front perspective view illustrating therelative placement of the tractor portion on the hub of the firstembodiment of the pipe transporter traction wheel of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 4 presents an exploded rear perspective view illustrating therelative placement of the tractor portion on the hub of the firstembodiment of the pipe transporter traction wheel of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 5 presents a front view of the first embodiment of the pipetransporter traction wheel of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 presents a cross-sectional perspective view of the firstembodiment of the pipe transporter traction wheel of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 7 presents another cross-sectional perspective view of the firstembodiment of the pipe transporter traction wheel of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 8 presents a cross-sectional front elevation view of the firstembodiment of the pipe transporter traction wheel of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 9 presents a front elevation view of a pipe transporter deployed ina pipe (shown in cross-section), the pipe transporter comprising a setof pipe transporter traction wheels in accordance with the firstembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a top rear perspective view of a hub of a second embodimentof the pipe transporter traction wheel of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a top front perspective view of the hub of the secondembodiment of the pipe transporter traction wheel of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 12 is a top rear perspective view of a hub of a third embodiment ofthe pipe transporter traction wheel of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a top front perspective view of the hub of the thirdembodiment of the pipe transporter traction wheel of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 14 is a top rear perspective view of a hub of a fourth embodimentof the pipe transporter traction wheel of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a top front perspective view of the hub of the fourthembodiment of the pipe transporter traction wheel of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 16 is a side perspective view of a first example of a replacementwheel kit including an adapter of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 is a side perspective view of a second example of a replacementwheel kit including an adapter of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 is a side perspective view of a third example of a replacementwheel kit including an adapter of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 is a side perspective view of a fourth example of a replacementwheel kit including an adapter of the present disclosure.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several viewsof the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and isnot intended to limit the described embodiments or the application anduses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary”or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, orillustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or“illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other implementations. All of the implementationsdescribed below are exemplary implementations provided to enable personsskilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure andare not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is definedby the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”,“lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, andderivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented inFIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressedor implied theory presented in the preceding technical field,background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It isalso to be understood that the specific devices and processesillustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the followingspecification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventiveconcepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions andother physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosedherein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expresslystate otherwise.

Shown throughout the figures, the present disclosure is directed towarda pipe transporter traction wheel which is suitable for mounting on apipe transporter, has superior traction capability, has a prolongedtread life, and/or prevents or minimizes damage or wear to the interiorsurface of a pipe in which the pipe transporter is deployed, and/orprovides other benefits.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1-9, a pipe transporter traction wheel 100is illustrated in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in some embodiments, the pipetransporter traction wheel 100 may include a hub 120 and a tractorportion 104 on the hub 120. As illustrated in FIG. 9, in typicalapplication of the pipe transporter traction wheel 100, which will behereinafter further described, a pair of the pipe transporter tractionwheels 100 may be placed along wheel central axis 102 on each of a pairor triplet (trio) of transporter axles 142 (one of which is illustrated)of a pipe transporter 140. The pipe transporter 140 may be deployed in apipe 136 such as an underground utility pipe, for example and withoutlimitation, typically to inspect the structural integrity of the pipe136 or as remotely operated means of curing relining sleeves orreinstating lateral connections post-relining. Each pipe transportertraction wheel 100 may engage an interior surface 138 of the pipe 136 asa transporter motor 143 on the pipe transporter 140 typically drives thetransporter axle 142 and the pipe transporter traction wheels 100traverse the interior surface 138 of the pipe 136 along the length ofthe pipe 136.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the tractor portion 104 of the pipetransporter traction wheel 100 may have a rear wheel surface 112 and afront wheel surface 114. One or more multiple tractor sections 106 mayextend from the rear wheel surface 112 to the front wheel surface 114.For instance, a tractor surface 105 can be defined by plurality oftractor sections 106 can be provided, wherein the tractor sections 106are discretely arranged or spaced apart from one another around thecircumference of the tractor portion 104. Valleys or gaps 108 mayseparate the tractor sections 106 from each other. In alternativeembodiments of the disclosure, there may be no gaps between adjacenttractor sections 106 instead, there may be a single, tractor section orsurface extending along the entire perimeter of the wheel.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6-8, the tractor portion 104 may include amatrix material 130 and a small-particle or granular material 132 whichis encased or embedded in the matrix material 130. The granular material132 is harder than the matrix material 130. In some embodiments, thematrix material 130 may include a thermoplastic elastomer, rubber, opencast urethane, epoxy, curable gel, putty and/or any other substance thatcan position or hold the harder, granular material in place in thetractor portion. The granular material 132 may include carbide grit,steel wool, various aggregates (e.g. crushed stone such as granite orquartz), diamond or other variations of carbon, silicates, and the like.The granular material 132 may be randomly or orderly placed in thematrix material 130. The granular material 132 may have random ornon-random shapes, and may be rounded, or preferably, faceted. Theharder, granular material 132 may impart traction of the tractor portion104 against the interior surface 138 of the pipe 136, whereas thesofter, matrix material 132 may reduce a scratching effect of thegranular material 132 against the interior surface 138 of the pipe 136and thus protect the pipe 136.

As shown in FIG. 3, a central wheel opening 110 may extend through thetractor portion 104. An interior wheel surface 116 may becircumferentially oriented around axis 102 and may face the wheelopening 110. In some embodiments, multiple wheel connecting portionskins 118 may extend from the interior wheel surface 116 into the wheelopening 110. A mounting interface 115 is defined by axially centralportions of the tractor portion 104 and/or the hub 120 for at leastassisting in connecting wheel 100 to axle 142, as discussed below.

As mentioned heretofore, the tractor portion 104 may include one or moretread or tractor sections 106 arranged about its circumference. Thetractor section(s) 106 may be continuously or discretely arranged aboutthe circumference of the pipe transporter traction wheel 100. Forinstance, two or more tractor sections 106 can be arranged discretely(i.e. spaced apart from one another) about the circumference of the pipetransporter traction wheel 100 at positions in which they impart highfrictional contact with the interior of the pipe 136 (FIG. 9). Thisarrangement may facilitate predictable movement of the pipe transporter140 as it traverses the pipe 136.

The tractor portion 104 may be attached to the hub 120 using anysuitable attachment mechanism or technique known by those skilled in theart. In some embodiments, the tractor portion 104 may be detachablyattached to the hub 120 such as by using male or female threadedfeatures or mechanisms, quarter-turn locking mechanism or snap-onfeatures (not illustrated). In other embodiments, the tractor portion104 can be fixedly attached to the hub 120 such as by injection moldingthe tractor portion 104 onto the hub 120, for example and withoutlimitation. Accordingly, the hub 120 may have a melt temperature whichis well above the maximum process temperature needed for subsequentformation of the tractor portion 104.

The hub 120 of the pipe transporter traction wheel 100 may be fabricatedby molding, machining and/or other fabrication techniques known by thoseskilled in the art. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the hub 120 mayinclude a hub rim 122. A central hub opening 124 may extend through thehub 120. Multiple, spaced-apart wheel connecting portions 126 (i.e.,lobes) may extend from the hub rim 122 into the hub opening 124 forconnecting the hub 120 to a wheel axle (see FIGS. 16-19 below forexamples of adapters). As illustrated, six wheel connecting portions 126are provided spaced circumferentially around the axis 102 and the hubopening 124, alternatingly spaced with gaps 127. Openings 129 may beprovided through one or more of the wheel connecting portions 126 tofacilitate attachment of the wheel 100 to the axle 142 of the pipetransporter 140 (see FIG. 9), either directly, via an element attachedto the axle, and/or via an adapter of some sort (see FIGS. 16-19).

In connecting the tractor portion 104 to the hub 120, the wheelconnecting portion skins 118 in the wheel opening 110 of the tractorportion 104 may be formed onto and interface with the respective wheelconnecting portions 126 in the hub opening 124 of the hub 120 as thetractor portion 104 is typically molded to the hub 120. In someembodiments, the hub 120 may have various surface features to facilitatemechanical interlocking between the tractor portion 104 and the hub 120.As will be hereinafter described, the surface features may includedovetail hub flanges, notches and/or openings and the like.

In the event that the pipe transporter traction wheel 100 is fabricatedby molding the tractor portion 104 to the hub 120, the injection pointsthrough which the tractor portion 104 is injected into a mold (notshown) may be specifically arranged to favor the formation of thetractor sections 106 of the tractor portion 104. More particularly, asillustrated in FIGS. 5 and 8, multiple groove-shaped injection points128 may be formed as orifices extending through the hub 120 locatedinterstitially (and angularly relative to a center of the wheel 100)between respective adjacent tractor sections 106 on the tractor portion104. Polyurethane or other material (not illustrated) which is used tofabricate the tractor portion 104 may be injected through the injectionpoints 128 to mold the tractor portion 104 onto the hub 120. Theinjection points 128 may improve the focused distribution of the harder,granular material 132 in the softer, matrix material 130 of the tractionsections 106 in the molding process. As illustrated in FIG. 8, in someembodiments, the density of granular material 132 may be lower in thearea of the injection points 128 than in the tractor sections 106.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, in typical application, multiple pipetransporter traction wheels 100 may be installed on a pipe transporter140 which is deployed in a pipe 136 (shown in cross-section).Accordingly, a pair of pipe transporter traction wheels 100 may bemounted on each of a pair or trio of transporter axles 142 of the pipetransporter 140. This may be accomplished by mounting the hub 120 (FIGS.3 and 4) of each pipe transporter traction wheel 100 by attaching thewheel connecting portions 126 of the corresponding hub 120 to thecorresponding end of the transporter axle 142 via a hub adapter, screwsor other fastening means. A transporter motor 143 may drivingly engagethe transporter axles 142 as is known by those skilled in the art. Thepipe transporter 140 may have a conventional design and may be fittedwith equipment (not illustrated) such as video equipment, for exampleand without limitation, which may facilitate inspection of the pipe 136for the presence of cracks and other anomalies, or other equipment forrelining or cutting pipes, or other purposes. The pipe transporter 140may traverse the length of the pipe 136 as the traction sections 106 onthe tractor portion 104 of each pipe transporter traction wheel 100engage the interior surface of the pipe 136. It will be appreciated bythose skilled in the art that the granular material 132 in the tractorsections 106 of the tractor portion 104 imparts traction of the pipetransporter traction wheel 100 against the interior surface of the pipe136, whereas the matrix material 130 protects the pipe 136 and providesthe security of the granular materials to the body of the wheel, i.e.the matrix material provides a suitable medium to achieve the desiredshape, size and interfaces necessary for the product.

Referring next to FIGS. 10 and 11, a hub 220 of a second embodiment ofthe pipe transporter traction wheel of the present disclosure isillustrated. The hub 220 may include a hub rim 222. A plurality ofcounterbore openings 244 may extend through the hub rim 222. The tractorportion of the second embodiment of the pipe transporter traction wheelmay have a design and composition which are the same as or similar tothose of the tractor portion 104 (FIGS. 1-4) of the pipe transportertraction wheel 100 heretofore described in FIGS. 1-9. Accordingly,during injection molding of the tractor portion to the hub 220 of thepipe transporter traction wheel, polyurethane may extend through, andbecome solidified and cured through the counterbore openings 244,forming a mechanical attachment or interlock between the tractor portionand the hub 220. The counterbore openings 244 may thus contribute toobtaining a stronger pipe transporter traction wheel.

Referring next to FIGS. 12 and 13, a hub 320 of a third embodiment ofthe pipe transporter traction wheel of the present disclosure isillustrated. The hub 320 may include a hub rim 322. A plurality ofcounterbore openings 344 may extend through the hub rim 322. A pluralityof front hub notches 352 and a plurality of rear hub notches 350 mayextend through the hub rim 322 at the plurality of counterbore openings344, respectively, forming a plurality of dovetail hub flanges 354. Thetractor portion of the third embodiment of the pipe transporter tractionwheel may have a design and composition which are the same as or similarto those of the tractor portion 104 (FIGS. 1-4) of the pipe transportertraction wheel 100 heretofore described in FIGS. 1-9. Accordingly,during injection molding of the tractor portion to the hub 320 of thepipe transporter traction wheel, polyurethane may pass through thecounterbore openings 344, the front hub notches 352 and the rear hubnotches 350 to form a mechanical interlock between the hub 320 and thepolyurethane of the tractor portion.

Referring next to FIGS. 14 and 15, a hub 420 of a fourth embodiment ofthe pipe transporter traction wheel of the present disclosure isillustrated. The hub 420 may include a hub rim 422. A hub bondingsurface 456 may be provided on the hub rim 422. The hub bonding surface456 may facilitate chemical bonding of the hub 420 to the tractorportion in fabrication of the pipe transporter traction wheel.Alternatively or additionally, adhesive materials or mechanicalfasteners (e.g. screws, snap-lock fasteners) and/or other features knownby those skilled in the art may be used to attach the tractor portion tothe hub 420, both in the present embodiment and in previous embodiments.The tractor portion of the fourth embodiment of the pipe transportertraction wheel may have a design and composition which are the same asor similar to those of the tractor portion 104 (FIGS. 1-4) of the pipetransporter traction wheel 100 heretofore described in FIGS. 1-9.

FIG. 16 shows a first example of a kit 560 for a pipe transportertraction wheel (e.g., wheel 100 or others disclosed and describedherein) suitable for mounting on an axle 542 of a pipe transportertravelable along an interior surface of a pipe (See FIG. 9). It shouldbe understood that kit 560 is one example for attachment of a wheelaccording to certain aspects of the present disclosure to an axle of apipe transporter vehicle. Many existing vehicles, axles, and wheels havedifferent designs, and certain axles have their own adapters or shapedends for connection to a wheel. The mounting interface of the wheelsdisclosed herein, particularly with multiple radially-inward extendinglobes (wheel connection portions 126), provide a modularmulti-functional attachment allowing wheels (e.g. wheels 100) to be usedwith pipe transporters of differing designs.

Returning to FIG. 16, illustrated is a pipe transporter traction wheel500 including a tractor portion 504 arranged around the central axis502. The tractor surface 505 as illustrated includes the tractorsections 506 configured to contact the interior surface of a pipe whenthe pipe transporter is driven in the pipe (see FIG. 9), although thetractor surface could be one continuous surface, as mentioned above.

A mounting interface 515 is located generally around the central axis502 of the tractor portion 504. The mounting interface 515 is configuredfor attachment of the pipe transporter traction wheel 500 to the axle542. The mounting interface 515 includes an opening 510 between a rearwheel surface 512 and a front wheel surface 514 of the tractor portion504. As shown, a mounting interface 515 includes a plurality of lobes526 that extend radially inward toward the central axis 502. Six lobes526 are shown, separated by six gaps 527. As shown, shown each lobe 526and gap 527 has a substantially equal circumferential extent (about 30degrees). However, lobes 526 and/or gaps 527 may differ in extent and/orplacement, symmetrically, partially symmetrically, or non-symmetrically.Also, although six lobes 526 and gaps 527 are depicted, but the amountof either or both could be different.

An adapter 562 is configured to cooperatively assist with attachment ofthe pipe transporter traction wheel 500 to the axle 542. The depictedadapter 562 is but one example of a structure useful for attaching wheel500 to a particular type of pipe transporter. Thus, as will be discussedbelow, providing one or more adapters and a traction wheel in a kitallows use of the traction wheel with more than one design of pipetransporter. An efficient modularity is thus achieved wherein a singlewheel design may be used with pipe transporters of differing designsand/or made by different OEM's by choosing a matching adapter.

As illustrated, the mounting interface 515 of the wheel 500 has sixlobes 526 and six gaps 527 arranged alternatingly and spacedequidistantly around the central axis 502. The adapter 562 includes amain body 564 which in this case is annular, although it could be a discor other regular or irregular shape suitable for attachment to wheel 500and axle 542. The adapter 562 includes at least one structure 566extending axially into a respective gap 527 when the adapter 562 isattached to the mounting interface 515 of the wheel 500. As shown, twosuch structures 566 are provided, spaced 180 degrees from each otheraround the central axis 502. Each such structure 566 is generally shapedas a truncated wedge, complimentary to the shape of the respective gap527 into which the structure 566 is placed. Fastening members 568 extendthrough holes 570 in the structures 566 in the adapter 562 to attach theadapter 562 and the wheel 500 to the axle 542 via threaded holes 572 ona connecting structure such as a flange or other connector 574 attachedto the axle 542. As shown, the flange 574 includes two of the holes 572spaced apart 180 degrees around axis 502, so the two holes 570 in theadapter 562 and two fasteners 568 are selected and located accordingly.

Variations to that which is illustrated are possible. For example, othernumbers and locations of structures 566, fasteners 568, and holes 570can be made, either because of the design of the flange 574 or for otherreasons such as strength, stability, weight, costs, etc. Further, theadapter 562 can have more structures 566 and/or holes 570 than there areholes 572 in the axle flange 574 for modularity of use with other axleadapter designs. Also, adapter 562 can be modified so that the holes 570are spaced from structures 566 and may instead align with holes (notshown) in modified lobes 526 and holes 572 in the flange 574. Further,although the fastening members 568 are illustrated as threaded machinescrews, other structures could be used such as pins, clips, a nut andbolt, key and keyway, set screws, bolts fixed to extend from the axleflange 574, etc.

FIG. 17 shows an alternate kit 660 comprising a wheel 500 (as above) andan alternate adapter 662 mountable to axle 642 with axle flange 674. Asshown, the body 664 of adapter 662 is disc-shaped, and has sixstructures 666 that fit in the gaps 527 in the wheel 500. Threefasteners 668 extend through three holes 670 spaced 120 degrees apart toconnect with three threaded holes 672 in axle flange 674. A fourthfastening member 669 extends through a central hole 671 and extends intoa threaded opening 675 in the end of the axle 642. Again, variations tothat illustrated in FIG. 17 are possible in terms of number, location,and addition or deletion of elements.

FIG. 18 shows an alternate kit 760 comprising a wheel and an adaptermade of a first part 762 axially locatable adjacent the front wheelsurface 514 and a second part 763 axially locatable adjacent the rearwheel surface 512 when the adapter is attached to the wheel. As shown,the first part 762 includes a plate-like body 764 with three holes 770for three fasteners 768, and a fourth hole 771 for a fourth fastener769. The second part 763 includes three structures 766 that are 120degrees apart and that extend into gaps 527 in the wheel 500. Thestructures 766 also includes holes 772 for receiving fasteners 768 and alarger central hole 773 for receiving the fourth fastener 769 thatthreads into axle 742. Again, modifications are possible, such as movingstructures 766 to first part 762 and changing the length of fasteners768, or changing the number or arrangement of certain parts.

FIG. 19 shows another embodiment of kit 860 having first and secondadapter parts 862,863. The second part 863 includes three structures 866with holes 872 alignable so as to correspond with locations of holes 870in the first part 862. Three fasteners 868 can be placed through holes870 and 872 to connect adapter parts 862,863 to wheel 500 withstructures 866 in three of the gaps 527. A set screw 869 is used to holdsecond part 863 to axle 842, and a cut out 875 may be provided on theannular body 864 of the first part 862 to allow the user to access theset screw 869 from front wheel surface 514 without removing the firstpart 862. Again, variations in the above structures are possible.

Alternative embodiments are contemplated to those depicted herein. Forinstance, as mentioned heretofore, the tractor portion may include asingle, tractor section or surface extending along the entire perimeterof the wheel. Alternatively or additionally, the pipe transportertraction wheel may not include a hub, i.e. the harder, granular materialmay be encased within the softer, matrix material without the inclusionof a hub.

With regard to the kits 560-860, differing portions of the partsdisclosed therein can be mixed and matched to create further kits,providing even more flexibility for use with differing OEM or modifiedpipe transporters. Thus, circumferentially-located, axially-located, orset-screw type fasteners may be employed in various combinations to holdwheels to a given axle, in view of the wheel or its connected adapterrequirements.

With regard to materials used in the various wheels disclosed herein,the hub portions may be made of 10% short fiber glass-filled Nylon 6(i.e., 10% of the mass of the hub is glass fibers manufactured directlyinto the pelletized raw material). Nylon 6 is also known aspolycaprolactam, a semicrystalline polyamide. However, its broaderaspects other moldable or machinable materials with a meltingtemperature above 200° C. and tensile strength above ˜40 MPa would besuitable. The glass filling beneficially decreases the shrink percentageof the molded hub and has the added benefit of dramatically increasingthe strength of the molded hub.

The granular material within the matrix portion of the wheel may be madeof 8 Mesh (approximately 2 mm to 2.5 mm) tungsten carbide grit. However,any relatively hard material that has edges/corners to enhance traction,also with a melt temperature above 200° C., could be used. The granularmaterial could in fact be other aggregate (rock) product, crushed walnutshells, recycled glass beads, etc. The granular material 132 could alsobe made of manufactured shapes (e.g., star polygons, star polyhedrons,slivers, cubes, a shape similar to toy “jacks,” etc.). It should beunderstood that although for representative illustration herein thegranular material 132 is shown as spherical “bubbles,” such is notnecessarily representative of the actual shape of the granular material,such as those noted above with edges/corners.

The matrix material within the wheel may be made of Elastollan® (a BASFproduct; Grade C90A13 Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) Elastomer).However, the matrix could be many different materials, whether withinthe urethane families (with TPU being one such family), rubber (natural,synthetic, or a blend), open cast materials (urethane being one option),or other materials that can be formed from a low-viscosity liquid stateto a solid state, allowing it to surround and suspend the granularmaterial.

Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be madeto the described preferred embodiments of the disclosure, it is intendedthat all matters in the foregoing description and shown in theaccompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense. Thus, the scope of the disclosure should be determinedby the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

1. A pipe transporter traction wheel suitable for mounting on a pipetransporter travelable along an interior surface of a pipe, the pipetransporter traction wheel comprising: a tractor portion configured tobe attached to a pipe transporter, the tractor portion having a tractorsurface configured to contact an interior surface of a pipe when thepipe transporter is driven in the pipe, the tractor portion including agranular material and a matrix material embedding the granular material,the granular material having a hardness higher than a hardness of thematrix material.
 2. The pipe transporter traction wheel of claim 1,wherein the tractor surface extends around a circumference of thetractor portion.
 3. The pipe transporter traction wheel of claim 2,wherein the tractor portion includes a plurality of tractor sectionsspaced apart from one another around the circumference of the tractorportion and separated by gaps, each of the tractor sections including apart of the tractor surface.
 4. The pipe transporter traction wheel ofclaim 3, wherein the tractor portion includes a rear wheel surface and afront wheel surface, the tractor sections and the gaps extending fromthe rear wheel surface to the front wheel surface.
 5. The pipetransporter traction wheel of claim 1, wherein a mounting interface islocated generally around a central axis of the tractor portion, themounting interface being configured for attachment of the pipetransporter traction wheel to the pipe transporter.
 6. The pipetransporter traction wheel of claim 5, wherein the mounting interfaceincludes an opening between a rear wheel surface and a front wheelsurface of the tractor portion.
 7. The pipe transporter traction wheelof claim 6, wherein the mounting interface includes a plurality oflobes, the lobes extending radially inward toward the central axis andbeing separated by gaps.
 8. (canceled)
 9. (canceled)
 10. The pipetransporter traction wheel of claim 1, further including a hub, thetractor portion being attached to the hub.
 11. (canceled)
 12. The pipetransporter traction wheel of claim 10, wherein the tractor portion isovermolded onto the hub.
 13. The pipe transporter traction wheel ofclaim 12, wherein the hub defines an irregular exterior shape,overmolded portions of the tractor portion interlocking with theirregular exterior shape to help secure the tractor portion to the hub.14-20. (Canceled)
 21. The pipe transporter traction wheel of claim 1,wherein a density of the granular material throughout the tractorportion is not uniform.
 22. The pipe transporter traction wheel of claim21, wherein the density is higher nearer the tractor surface than atother locations within the tractor portion.
 23. The pipe transportertraction wheel of claim 22, wherein the tractor surface extends around acircumference of the tractor portion, and the tractor portion includes aplurality of tractor sections spaced apart from one another around thecircumference of the tractor portion and separated by gaps, each of thetractor sections including a part of the tractor surface.
 24. The pipetransporter traction wheel of claim 23, wherein the density is lowernearer the gaps than at other locations within the tractor portion. 25.A pipe transporter traction wheel suitable for mounting on a pipetransporter travelable along an interior surface of a pipe, the pipetransporter traction wheel comprising: a hub having an outer surface;and a tractor portion bonded to the outer surface of the hub, thetractor portion having a tractor surface configured to contact aninterior surface of a pipe when the pipe transporter is driven in thepipe, the tractor surface extending around a circumference of thetractor portion, and the tractor portion including a plurality oftractor sections spaced apart from one another around the circumferenceof the tractor portion and separated by gaps, each of the tractorsections including a part of the tractor surface.
 26. The pipetransporter traction wheel of claim 25, wherein the tractor portionincludes a granular material and a matrix material embedding thegranular material, the granular material having a hardness higher than ahardness of the matrix material.
 27. The pipe transporter traction wheelof claim 26, wherein a density of the granular material throughout thetractor portion is not uniform.
 28. (canceled)
 29. (canceled)
 30. A pipetransporter traction wheel suitable for mounting on a pipe transportertravelable along an interior surface of a pipe, the pipe transportertraction wheel comprising: a hub having an irregular exterior shape; anda tractor portion overmolded onto the hub so that overmolded portions ofthe tractor portion interlock with the irregular exterior shape to helpsecure the tractor portion to the hub, the tractor portion having atractor surface configured to contact an interior surface of a pipe whenthe pipe transporter is driven in the pipe.
 31. The pipe transportertraction wheel of claim 30, wherein the irregular exterior shapeincludes openings extending through the hub, a part of the tractorportion being located within each of the openings.
 32. The pipetransporter traction wheel of claim 30, wherein the irregular exteriorshape includes surface channels, a part of the tractor portion beinglocated within each of the surface channels.
 33. The pipe transportertraction wheel of claim 32, wherein the surface channels are dove-tailshaped.
 34. The pipe transporter traction wheel of claim 30, wherein thetractor portion includes a granular material and a matrix materialembedding the granular material, the granular material having a hardnesshigher than a hardness of the matrix material.
 35. The pipe transportertraction wheel of claim 34, wherein a density of the granular materialthroughout the tractor portion is not uniform.
 36. (canceled) 37.(canceled)